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Is National Service Dog Association a service dog training school?
National Service Dog Association is not a service dog training school.
How long is a National Service Dog Association certification valid for?
A National Service Dog Association is a valid for two years. Upon expiration of certificate, you will need to recertify. (See Recertification on the shop page.)
If I lost my certificate or ID card, how do I order a new one?
You can call 516 761 3243 to order a new certificate and ID card. The replacement cost is $29. Please allow two weeks for processing and shipping.
When will I receive my certificate?
You will receive your certificate within two weeks.
What is Considered a Service Dog
A service dog is a specially trained dog that assists a person with a disability by performing specific tasks the individual may not be able to do on their own. These dogs can be trained to help with physical, sensory, psychiatric, or medical conditions.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, a service dog is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to perform work or tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. The tasks performed must be directly related to the person’s disability.
How a Service Dog can
Help You
in Supporting Your Daily Life
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Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks, such as:
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Guiding people who are blind or have low vision
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Alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds (like alarms or doorbells)
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Pulling a wheelchair or helping with balance and mobility
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Alerting and protecting someone who is having a seizure
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Detecting changes in blood sugar for people with diabetes
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Reminding someone to take medication
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Interrupting harmful behaviors related to psychiatric conditions
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Examples of service dog types
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Guide dogs – help people who are blind navigate safely
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Hearing dogs – alert to important sounds
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Mobility assistance dogs – help with walking or retrieving items
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Medical alert dogs – detect seizures, allergies, or blood sugar changes
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Psychiatric service dogs – assist people with conditions like Post‑traumatic stress disorder or severe anxiety
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Service dogs vs. other support animals
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Service dogs: trained to perform tasks; allowed in most public places under the ADA
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Emotional support animals: provide comfort but are not trained for specific tasks
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Therapy dogs: visit hospitals, schools, or nursing homes to comfort many people
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Important facts
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Service dogs are usually very highly trained (often 1–2 years of training).
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Businesses cannot charge extra for a service dog.
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Staff can only ask two questions:
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Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
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What task has the dog been trained to perform?
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